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Proper handle design for a D bow

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DanaM:
Ok guys what yer take on a properly constructed bendy handle D bow? More specifically the handle area.
No cut-ins at the handle area no fades. I'm lost I guess on this one.
I've seen bendy handle pyramid bows posted on here that had fairly deep cut-ins.
Perhaps someone could post pics and enlighten me.

DanaM

tom sawyer:
You're just taking a chance when you use a deep cut-in on a bendy handle bow.  Not to say it won't work, just a higher probability that you'll see a crack develop in the fade that will travel into the limb.

For a bendy handle bow, you can either (1)not change the shape at all from the limbs, or  (2) you can shape it modestly (like narrowing from 1.5" to 1.25") and over a couple inches on either side.  Gradual narrowing, gradual thickening.  This way you don't have a lot of fibers in one place that are cut off from the rest of the limb.  Sometimes you leave this handle a bit stiffer too, a semi-bendy handle.

Hillbilly:
If I make a bow that bends through the handle, I don't want to cut in a handle or fades at all, seems like a good place for a break to start. With most D-bows, the handle is usually the widest part of the bow. I have seen bows that bend slightly through the handle with narrow grips, like the west-coast NA designs, but they are usually heavily backed with sinew. You can get away with a narrower bow if it bends through the handle and is preferably a little long.

tom sawyer:
Just saw the discussion on the other thread.  I agree with Pat that you don't need 2" width on a bendy bow, even a white wood (OK pine is an exception).  You're on the right track with the gradual change of shape, also leaving the handle area a bit stiff also helps some.  More wood holding things together.  Rounding edges also helps in my opinion.  Again, this is changing where fibers end and staggering the ends a bit.  It all helps.

DanaM:
Thanks guys, I think I was trying for to much bend in the handle thats why it split.
Ain't making bows fun, as has been said before you learn more from the failures than the successes!

DanaM

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